Zimbabwe Warning: ‘Prepare for Another Heatwave Spell'

Harare - Zimbabweans must prepare for another bout of a blanket heat wave before the rains bring a cool relief, the Meteorological Services Department has warned.

Temperatures soaring to as high as 42°C are expected before the rainy season begins.

In a recent statement, the Met Department said the public should take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the adverse weather condition.

“Very hot weather (is) expected to affect the whole country on October 15 and 16, 2016. The conditions (near record-breaking high temperatures both during the day and at night are forecast to range from 35°C to 42°C,” the statement read.

Brace for Another Heat Wave

“The danger is extremely high for runway fires, avoid prolonged stay in the sun, drink lots of fluids, particularly water, avoid outdoor activities between 11:30am and 3pm, and protect yourselves from the sun by using umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats.”

Weather forecasts have also warned that the wet spell expected to begin on October 17, will come with heavy storms. “While this is happening, a cloud band is expected to start entering the western and southern areas of the country from Sunday.

“This should cover much of the country by Tuesday, October 18, 2016. If the expected weather patterns behave as predicted, then the ensuing rains should be significant over the whole country.

This may signal the start of the 2016/17 rainfall season for Matabeleland North and South, Midlands as well as Masvingo provinces,” the Met Department said.

“It is also important to note that the combination of this moisture together with heat can trigger violent storms that may be accompanied by hail and damaging winds. Already this month, the country has had weather related-disasters in some parts.

"These disasters are forecast to increase in frequency as the rain-bearing weather systems become more organised.” - Daily News